In a music world where unlikely collaborations and genre-defying partnerships are increasingly the norm, one of the more unexpected stories from the late 2010s resurfaced with renewed interest — and it all centers on Big Shaq and Noel Gallagher.
Back in late 2017, as viral grime hit “Man’s Not Hot” dominated airwaves and social feeds, Oasis-legend Noel Gallagher revealed in interviews that he was a fan of the track and publicly expressed interest in taking viral sensation Big Shaq (comedian Michael Dapaah’s alter ego) on tour as a supporting act. It was a moment that got the music world talking: a Britpop icon reaching out across genres to a new wave of internet-fueled talent. NME
A Nod from the Rock Star
Gallagher’s comments didn’t come with typical music-industry speak — he spoke candidly about how his kids introduced him to Big Shaq’s viral persona and how impressed he was by the comedian-turned-music star’s impact. When asked whether he would consider taking Big Shaq on the road with him, Noel simply said, “Oh, I’d love to. If you’re listening Michael, get in touch — we’ll do some gigs, it’ll be amazing!” Stop Crying Your Heart Out
For Gallagher, who helped define a generation of guitar-driven British rock, this wasn’t just a casual compliment — it was an invitation that suggested genuine respect for Big Shaq’s cultural reach and entertainment value.
Big Shaq’s Playful Reply
Not long after Gallagher’s comments hit the press, Big Shaq had his own response — and, true to his comedic persona, he leaned into the moment with humor. Rather than issuing a formal acceptance or industry-style statement, Shaq responded with a playful twist by performing a cover of Oasis’s iconic “Wonderwall” (albeit in his uniquely tongue-in-cheek style), teasing that he’d be up for shows and asking for further contact via social channels. NME
This response captured the imagination of fans from both camps: rock purists amused by Shaq’s bold take on a Britpop classic, and grime/comedic followers delighted by his tongue-in-cheek confidence. It wasn’t just a viral meme moment — it was proof of how artists from very different corners of music can acknowledge each other, even when they’re not planning serious collaborations.
More Than Just a Meme
Although the proposed tour never materialized into an actual support slot for Big Shaq, the exchange remains a fascinating snapshot of the fluid nature of modern music culture. It highlighted how artists no longer live in rigid silos, and how personalities who originate outside traditional music pathways — like Big Shaq’s comedic roots — can still be taken seriously by established figures like Gallagher.
In the years since, Gallagher himself has remained active, with Oasis reuniting for a major 2025 world tour that’s brought him and brother Liam Gallagher back together on stage for the first time in over a decade. Wikipedia While Big Shaq’s music career hasn’t followed the same trajectory as major touring acts, his moment in the spotlight speaks to the interconnectedness of today’s music scene — where a joke track can become a cultural touchstone, and a rock legend can turn fan into potential tour mate.
Why It Matters
The tale of Noel Gallagher inviting Big Shaq on tour — and Shaq’s gleeful, meme-infused response — is more than a footnote in music trivia. It’s a reminder that the industry is increasingly collaborative and unpredictable. Genre boundaries are porous, audiences overlap in unexpected ways, and moments once dismissed as fleeting internet fame can create genuine cross-generational conversation.
Whether or not Big Shaq ever shares a stage with Noel Gallagher, the story stands as a quirky testament to music’s ability to surprise — and to bring together unlikely voices in the world of art and entertainment.
